Pool Reports of May 1, 2024

In-town pool report #1: briefing now at 12:45

Good morning,

The press briefing has been moved up to 12:45pm. The only other item currently on the president's schedule is a fundraiser this evening.

In-town pool report #2: 2 minute warning

We have a two-minute warning for the briefing.

In-town pool report #3: Briefing started

The briefing started at 12:57pm

In-town pool report #4: Briefing ends

The briefing ended at 1:36pm.

In-town pool #5: Gathering for departure

In-town pool is gathering at the Palm Room Doors to leave for a fundraiser.

In-town pool report #6: motorcade rolling

Motorcade is rolling to the Mayflower Hotel as of 5:17pm. Your pooler didn't spot POTUS getting into the car.

In-town pool report #7: traveling staff

From the White House:

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to the Mayflower Hotel:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Dennis Cheng, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Political Strategy & Outreach
Dilpreet Sidhu, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Herbie Ziskend, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Communications

In-town pool report #8: arrived at Mayflower

After a brief and uneventful five-block drive, the motorcade arrived at the Mayflower at 5:23pm. We didn't spot POTUS getting out.

In-town pool report #9: pool holding

The pool is holding in an (air conditioned!) room at the Mayflower ahead of the President's remarks.

In-town pool #10: Introductions and speakers

Pool was brought into a somewhat small and elaborate room at the Mayflower with about 60-70 attendees. There are rows of chairs in the front half of the room, small standing tables in the back and several areas of food.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois was first up speaking on the stage, he said the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community has raised more than $1.1 million tonight.

Sitting behind him is Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who was second to speak.

Duckworth began by thanking Krishnamoorthi for his efforts to pass the TikTok divestment bill.

"The president chose to be here with us" on the first day of AANHPI heritage month, Duckworth said.

Duckworth brought up anti-Asian sentiment during the Trump administration and told the room that her mom was harassed by a clerk who told her "this kung fu virus is your fault" during the pandemic.

On behalf of the Biden-Harris Campaign:

Participating in a photoline with the President:

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL)
Senator Mazie Hirono (HI)

The President is participating in a campaign reception.

Program
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08)
Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL)
The President

In-town pool report #11: President's remarks

Biden came out just before 6:04pm.

"My name is Joe Biden and I work for Tammy Duckworth," Biden said to laughter when he came out.

Biden sounds hoarse and said he has "a bit of a cold."

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai is here, Biden gave her a shout out.

"While the press doesn't write about it, the money is clearly in our favor."

"The polls don't mean a lot" this far out.

Biden made a joke about Trump, will send full quote later.

Biden said the TIME magazine interview with Trump is a "must read" and read out portions about abortion, Trump saying he was a dictator and insurrectionists' pardons.

"This election is about competing values and competing visions for America. Trump's values and visions are ones of anger, hate, revenge, retribution."

His vision is "one of hope and optimism that's the heart of the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander story."

"You're what makes America what it is."

Speech ended at 6:15pm, press was escorted out.

In-town pool #12: Joke about Trump

Biden's joke:

"The other day a man came up to me and said, 'Mr. President, I'm being crushed by debt. I'm completely wiped out.' I looked at him and said, 'I'm sorry Don, I can't help you.'"

Pool is now holding in the vans.

In-town pool #13: motorcade moving

Your pooler didn't spot POTUS getting into the motorcade but spotted him through the window of his car as they drove past. Motorcade is moving as of 6:24pm back to the White House.

In-town pool report #14: Returned to the White House

After a brief journey blocking downtown rush hour traffic, we have returned to the White House at 6:27pm. Your pooler didn't spot him reentering.

In-town pool #15: lid

We have a lid as of 6:35pm.

In-town pool #16: fuller quote on TIME

A slight correction with the full quote about TIME's Trump interview:

"Trump did a long interview with TIME magazine. It's coming out, you gotta read it. It's a mandatory read."